The Wildlands Conservation Trust invites applications for:

Senior Project Manager | WILDOCEANS

NPO Sector – KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Project description

The WILDOCEANS Programme of the WILDTRUST (Wildlands Conservation Trust) is implementing the uThukela Marine Protected Area Ecosystem-based Adaptation Project, funded by the Blue Action Fund. This project aims to build socio-ecological resilience to climate change for the people and biodiversity of the uThukela MPA, and its associated coastal climate-relevant ecosystems and vulnerable communities, Including:

• Effective management of the recently designated uThukela MPA,
• Restoration of ecosystems, particularly relevant for climate change adaptation in and around the MPA
• Improved livelihoods and food security for vulnerable communities living adjacent to the MPA

Working directly with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and other partner organisations, the project aims to build conservation capacity and infrastructure, conduct ecosystem surveys and monitoring, support effective management of the MPA, deliver benefits for communities living adjacent to the MPA, and improve resilience to climate change through ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions.

Qualifications and Experience

We are looking for a dynamic senior project manager, to join the WILDOCEANS team, preferably with a relevant Masters’ degree or equivalent level of qualification in project management. Strong leadership and people management/relationship skills are essential, together with excellent administrative, financial, and reporting skills. The successful candidate must have a driver’s licence, be fluent in spoken and written English (isiZulu will be beneficial). The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years’ experience in biodiversity/community conservation project management, including management of projects with multi-million Rand budgets. The target group in terms of employment equity target is an African Female. However, all applicants will be welcomed and considered.

Responsibilities and Duties

The candidate will report to the Projects Director | WILDOCEANS, and responsibilities and duties will include:

• Management of a core team of 15+ staff and annual internships of over 100 individuals per year.
• Co-ordination of activities and responsibility for delivery on the project work plan, and support to associated co-funded projects
• Financial management and reporting
• All project reporting, including annual and interim Narrative reports and Workplan Progress
• Working with project partners DFFE, Ezemvelo, project sub-grantees and consultants and other organisations to achieve project outcomes.
• Management of stakeholder engagement to ensure healthy working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Conducting field visits and hosting donors in all nodes of the project
• Ensuring compliance with all Environmental and Social safeguards.
• Working with the communications team to ensure effective and accurate dissemination of information and preparation of media and education products.
• Oversight and management of vehicles, vessels and scientific equipment used for the project.

Based: Durban, or north coast of KwaZulu-Natal

Duration: Fixed-term contract (5 years)

Start date: as soon as possible, but preferably not later than 1 July 2022

Remuneration: Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience

TO APPLY: Submit a covering motivation letter with a 3-page CV including a minimum of 3 references to the Executive Director | WILDOCEANS: Email: jeanh@wildtrust.co.za  by 16 May 2022. Late applications may be disregarded. WILDTRUST reserves the right to vary the requirements and not to fill this position. Short-listed candidate will need to be available for an interview on 25/30/31 May 2022. Should you not receive a response by 30 May 2022 kindly consider your application unsuccessful.